More About the Sidewinder

Of the many types of rattlesnakes in the western hemisphere, the sidewinder is arguably one of the most unique. From its physical features to the way it gets around, this North American rattlesnake is in a league of its own. First of all, let's start with the reason it's called a sidewinder:

This fascinating snake moves in a sideways motion, by throwing the middle part of its body forward and then crawling in the same direction from head and tail areas of its body. Because of this movement, the sidewinder leaves a very distinctive (if temporary) trail across the windblown desert sands in which it lives.

Other desert-dwelling snakes have adapted similar means of locomotion. For example, the desert horned viper of Africa not only uses a sidewinding motion like the American sidewinder, but it also looks incredibly similar to the sidewinder. Though the two species live on opposite sides of the globe, they evolved in similar ways because they have a similar environment.

An Ambush Predator

When you look at the photo of the sidewinder snake above, you will notice another feature important to the snake's survival — camouflage. The sidewinder blends in extremely well with the desert sands it inhabits. In this way, the snake can partially bury itself in the desert sands and become practically invisible to unsuspecting prey.

When a kangaroo rat or other desert species on the "menu" happens by, the sidewinder will strike forward and bite the animal long enough to inject its venom. It will then typically wait for the animal to die before consuming it.

Sidewinder Venom

Like most rattlesnakes, the sidewinder produces a hemotoxin that affects the blood and tissue of its prey. However, the venom of a sidewinder rattlesnake is less potent than the venom of its larger relatives (such as the western diamondback and the timber ratllesnake).

As a result of its less potent venom, its smaller relative size, and the desolate nature of its habitat, very few sidewinder bites are reported each year, and sidewinder bites rarely result in human death. With that said, you should take all snake bites seriously and seek appropriate medical attention.